The EL1859 integrates eight 24 V DC inputs and eight 24 V DC outputs into a single HD (High Density) EtherCAT Terminal, reducing cabinet space and wiring effort compared with separate input and output modules. Inputs follow EN 61131‑2 type 1/3, with a “0” level of −3…+5 V, “1” level of 11…30 V, typical input current 3 mA and a fixed 3 ms input filter, which eliminates contact bounce from mechanical switches and provides reliable signal acquisition from sensors and pushbuttons.
Outputs are designed for ohmic, inductive and lamp loads, deliver up to 0.5 A per channel, and are short‑circuit‑proof and reverse‑polarity protected, with breaking energy < 150 mJ per channel to handle inductive loads safely. Typical switching times are TON ≈ 60 µs and TOFF ≈ 300 µs, allowing fast actuation for real‑time control applications, while still operating from a standard 24 V DC (−15%/+20%) field supply. The inputs reference the 0 V power contact, and the outputs are supplied via the 24 V power contact, supporting a power contact current up to 10 A for daisy‑chained terminals.
The module uses 1‑wire connection technology via 2 × 10‑pole male connectors with 2.54 mm grid and latching, accepting solid, stranded and ferruled conductors with cross‑sections from 0.08…1.5 mm² (solid) and 0.25…1.5 mm² (stranded), and 8–9 mm stripping length. All 16 channel states are indicated by signal LEDs on the front, simplifying commissioning and diagnostics, while the EtherCAT process image presents 8 input bits and 8 output bits with no address or DIP‑switch configuration required.
Electrically, the EL1859 draws typ. 130 mA from the E‑bus and typ. 15 mA + load from the power contacts, and provides 500 V isolation between the EtherCAT E‑bus and field potential. It does not support Distributed Clocks, as it is intended for standard digital I/O timing rather than synchronized measurement. The housing is the EL‑12‑16pin HD polycarbonate format (12 mm × 100 mm × 68 mm) with IP20 protection, designed for mounting on a 35 mm DIN rail (EN 60715) with Beckhoff’s double‑slot/key connection for seamless side‑by‑side terminal rows.
The operating temperature range is −25…+55 °C (some sources specify 0…+55 °C as a practical range), with −40…+85 °C storage, up to 95% relative humidity (non‑condensing), and compliance with EN 60068‑2‑6 / EN 60068‑2‑27 for vibration/shock and EN 61000‑6‑2 / EN 61000‑6‑4 for EMC immunity/emission. Approvals include CE, CCC, UL, ATEX and IECEx, with explosion protection markings ATEX II 3 G Ex ec IIC T4 Gc and IECEx Ex ec IIC T4 Gc, enabling use in Zone 2 hazardous areas when installed according to Beckhoff guidelines.
Typical applications are compact digital I/O stations in machine and plant automation where a mix of sensors and actuators must be connected in a small footprint, such as packaging machines, assembly cells, material handling and building automation, using EtherCAT for fast, deterministic communication.
Key Specifications
